Towns with Witch History: Throughout history, there have been numerous towns and villages around the world that have become infamous for their association with witchcraft. These places have often been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with legends and folklore passed down through generations. The towns with witch history have become popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the globe who are curious about the dark history that lingers in these places. One such town is Salem, Massachusetts, in the United States. Salem is perhaps the most well-known town with witch history, thanks to the infamous Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692. During this time, several young girls in Salem claimed to be possessed by witches and accused numerous townspeople of practicing witchcraft.

Salem’s complicated journey from witch trials to witch tourism

Salem, Massachusetts is infamous for a dark period in colonial history: the witch trials of the 1690s. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft, and, by the end of it, 24 people had been executed, including 19 women who were hanged.

To say Salem has been transformed since then would be an understatement. In direct odds with its history, Salem now brands itself as the “Witch City” and has become something of a supernatural Mecca for tourists. Hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the city each year to celebrate Halloween, bringing in about $140 million to the town annually.

Visitors to the town are greeted by a main street teeming with psychic shops, monster exhibits, ghost tours, and a torrent of witch merch and paraphernalia.

Kathryn Miles is an investigative journalist who wrote all about Salem’s past and present for Boston Magazine. She joined Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal to talk about the story of a tourist economy based on a complicated history. A transcript of their conversation is below and has been edited for clarity.

Kai Ryssdal: Were I to go to Salem, Massachusetts on a Saturday in the month of October, what would await me?

Kathryn Miles: Lots of other people doing the exact same thing. It’s incredible just how many people filter into this little town every year to celebrate a variety of different versions of Halloween. And then there are these tourists and gawkers who come dressed in goth clothing and parade around the town. And it’s, you know, it’s kind of fun spectacle.

Ryssdal: There’s a lot to unpack, right? Because this is a complicated, complicated story, but the slice we want to get to is how the town as it were has decided that this is their industry kinda, right?

Miles: Right. And that goes back to about 1880 when the town first started calling itself ‘Witch City’ and selling everything from commemorative plates to soaps and elixirs and things like that. So this is a story that’s really over 140 years in the making.

Ryssdal: This is a horribly crass thing to say. And I don’t know if you know the answer, but I imagine the entire Salem economy is dependent on this month of October.

Miles: It is. Over I think about 35% of their annual economy comes in the month of October. And that, again, is people who are just sort of fans. And I think kind of witch curious, and also this emerging group of practicing witches. This is a high holy day for them, and they like to gather there to practice their religion.

Ryssdal: I’m sure they do. And it’s probably a special place for them. But we have to point out that, historically, it’s a horrible place where people were executed because of lies and misinformation. And yet here we are now, something like 300 years later, and we have commercialized it.

Miles: Completely, right? And it’s really interesting, because this is happening when there’s this large scale, global truth and reconciliation work being done about people who were executed for witchcraft. And in fact, a group of very intrepid middle schoolers in Massachusetts successfully petitioned to have the last of those 19 victims from Salem pardoned this summer.

Ryssdal: When you go to Salem, what do you think when you look around?

Miles: I think there’s a lot to talk about. You know, the history is very personal for me. My ancestor was executed for heresy and witchcraft in 1660, and so it’s always been part of my family history and our family lore. And there were really scores of women in colonial America executed for witchcraft, many of whom were actually practicing midwives or political activists. And, you know, obviously, we cannot turn a blind eye to that, and we need to really have a reconciliation with that. But you know, I also have a lot of respect for practicing witches. I think it’s really about sex and body positivity, and I think it’s about sort of like this idea of manifesting internal strength. So, so long as you can kind of hold all of those things in your mind simultaneously, I think it’s a great place to be.

Ryssdal: When you talk to the locals, are they like, “Yeah, this is our thing. This is this is what we do, and we’re okay with it”?

Miles: There’s a real mix. I think that obviously for a lot of the sort of post-industrial, post-Mill towns, you know, how do you as a town make a viable living? And certainly I think there are residents who are really offended that what was ultimately, you know, genocide has now been commercialized. I think there’s other folks who maybe ideologically don’t have a problem with it, but really hate that they can’t find a parking space. So I think there’s all sorts of emotions happening there.

The Salem Witch Trials: A Town With A Dark History

A Town with a Dark History Salem, a tiny town in Massachusetts, has a dark history. Back in 1692, in New England where the thirteen colonies were founded, the Salem Witch Trials had begun, claiming the lives of innocent people and accusing hundreds of more innocents. The reason why the innocent were accused and convicted was because they were a witch or a warlock. A witch was a woman who practiced black magic and worshipped the Devil or Satan, a mythological creature that was evil. That was because in the sixteenth century, many people believed that magic was actually real and existed and in fact, practicing magic or more specific black magic, was considered a sin and a threat to the the Puritans. In fact, there were many factors and contributions that that led to the Salem Witch Trials that led many people to fear this possible non-existent magic and witches. This is one of America’s darkest and infamous tragedies that had happened in the …show more content…

There were many possible causes that contributed to the Salem Witch Trials However, there was no solid evidence to the killings of those innocent people and nobody could’ve had the proper evidence to answer the question of how the witches had harmed the people by using their black magic even though black magic may have not existed. Although the main possible cause of the witch trials was because of ergot fungus, it had caused the accusers to throw fits and act insane, or the cause of jealousy in personal belief. Plenty of innocents were killed, approximately twenty, a large amount for such a small newly founded town, all caused by supposedly afflicted girls. Once again, there is not any firm evidence that black magic or the Devil and its evil desires exist to claim lives in Salem. There should not be any trials held for women and men just for some supposed afflicted girls, despite that, the Salem Witch Trials is one infamous

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At World's Origins

During this time, several young girls in Salem claimed to be possessed by witches and accused numerous townspeople of practicing witchcraft. The trials resulted in the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of many others. The events of the Salem Witch Trials have left a lasting mark on the town, with witch-related attractions and museums contributing to Salem's tourism industry.

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Experience The Haunting History of The Witch Trial in The Salem Witch Town

Sending the 17th-century public into the mass hysteria that resulted in killing 21 innocent people in the name of witchcraft, the Salem Witch Trials were quoted to be “the largest and most lethal witch hunt in American history,” by historian Emerson “Tad” Baker.

The incident spun movies and books relating to the trials. Today, Salem is one of the most popular spots on the map for buildings and locations that saw the sentencing of the innocents where their pleas fell on deaf ears, and where “witchcraft” is now a popular fantasy.

Salem is a hotspot for all witch-lovers, “potion” makers, and history buffs. While the city can be visited all year round, it gets a special makeover during Halloween with decorations, jack-o-lanterns, and “witches” walking the street. It’s the best time of the year to get the spooks, see the old witch trials re-enacted, and visit the spot where they were hanged. Here are all the things to do in Salem on Halloween.

Salem Witch House

The last place and the only house with direct connections to the Witch Trials of the 17th century is the Salem Witch House or also known as The Judge Jonathan Corwin House. It was originally built in 1675 and Corwin, the owner, became the lead reason for killing innocent women in the name of “witchcraft” in 1692, engulfing the town in mass hysteria.

Standing tall in its almost pitch black color that reflects its dark history, the house today conducts tours where you’ll learn about how the fear of witchcraft began and what led it to its end. The Witch House remains as it was during the 17th century to its finest detail with old walls and the 1600s architecture and furnitures.

Gallows Hill

An area that saw the face of cruelty and injustice and heard the cries of the innocent, Gallows Hill Salem was the site of mass execution where 19 people accused of witchcraft were hanged more than 300 years ago in 1692. The bodies were dumped into a low spot beneath the ledge known as “the crevice.” In the silent night, neighbors witnessed the sounds of grieving families who would pick up their dead beloved and bury them elsewhere secretly.

This spot where the victims were hanged is now marked as “Proctor’s Ledge” and the memorial marks the names of the victims that were falsely blamed for being witches. While this place is solemn and visitors pay their respect to the scene that once saw no mercy, during Halloween Gallows Hill puts on a more positive tone with events for paranormal junkies.

Gallows Hill conducts After Hours Ghost Tour with actual paranormal activities where participants learn how to use professional ghost-finding equipment.

Witch Dungeon Museum

For the curious travelers and history buffs who wonder how the Salem Witch Trials actually happened and looked like, the Witch Dungeon museum performs a realistic account of the experience. You’ll be able to see a re-enactment of the 1692 trial with dialogues that’s been taken from the historical transcripts.

Other than the performance, you will also be able to tour the museum and witness the replicates of the dungeons where the falsely accused were once held, waiting for their demise.

The Witch Museum

A cathedral-like building that was a former church, The Witch Museum is one of Salem’s most popular attractions. The Museum is not for the faintest of hearts but Halloween lovers and horror fans will find it quite thrilling.

The museum is popular for its interactive, immersive experience that shows you everything about the 1692 trials and how witch hunts began in Europe leading to the infamous Salem trials in America. The museum recreates the dark days with life-size stage sets that narrate the executions including that of victims Corey Giles and George Burroughs.

Old Town Hall

In the current era, the Old Town Hall is where exhibitions of art forms and modern businesses take place but in the olden days, the Old Town Hall was where the witch trials were said to be held and the accused sentenced to their deaths. The hall’s first floor is where the building operates as a museum that reflects Salem’s unforgivable history.

The second floor today has the famous re-enactment play called “Cry Innocent” acted out. Set in the year 1692, this play follows the trial of Bridget Bishop, one of the first and real victims who was hanged for being falsely accused of witchcraft. The performance has actors give real historical testimonies and cross-examination from the era when the trials happened.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

A tribute to the victims who were executed in the hysteric witch hunt, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial pays respects to the lives of the innocent people who suffered at the hands of Judge Hathorne – the cruel man who sentenced 19 people to their death without ever feeling an ounce of remorse.

The memorial was built on the 300th anniversary of the Witch Trial in 1992 and the name of each victim, their date, and means of execution are etched into large granite stones. You can read their final words there.

At the entrance of the memorial, a stone path contains quotes from those who died in the trials. These quotes are unfinished and cut off by the wall, showcasing how no one listened to them while they were still breathing.

While Salem during Halloween has fun activities and events relating to the Witch Trials, this is not one of them. This place is solely to pay respect to the victims and the families that suffered. Victims’ names like Susannah Martin, Rebecca Nurse, Sarah Good, and Sarah Wildes are engraved onto the memorial walls.

The Tours

There are more than one ways to see the historical buildings and spooky spots in this place for witch lovers. For those heading to the city on Halloween, here are two ways to visit the popular attraction and have an idea of what to see in Salem.

Ghost Tour

Perfect for Halloween and all things spooky, this more-than-an-hour Ghost Tour will have a guide take you through Essex Street to the most haunted locations in Salem. Get chills and shivers as you learn why certain historic sites has its ghostly legends surrounding them. Learn the legends and the history of each location on this goosebumps-inducing walking tour.

The popular Salem witch tours

Another way to witness the City of Witches is by taking a fascinating walk through the historical town. Listen to details about how villagers went crazy with superstitious beliefs of witchcraft and how fingers were pointed at innocent girls who had nothing to do with it.

This tour will take you to places that saw the real witch trial like the house of Judge Corwin, courthouses, and the gallows.

Another town with a rich witch history is Pendle Hill in Lancashire, England. In the early 17th century, Pendle Hill was the site of the infamous Pendle Witch Trials. Twelve women and two men were accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed. Today, Pendle Hill is a popular destination for those interested in witchcraft and the occult. The hill itself is said to have mystical properties and is associated with various supernatural legends. In Germany, the town of Witches in Lower Saxony is known for its connection to witchcraft. The town's name, which translates to "Witches," derives from a local legend that claims the town was cursed by a witch many centuries ago. According to the legend, this witch placed a curse on the town, and the curse is believed to have caused numerous misfortunes throughout history. Today, the town embraces its witch history and hosts a variety of witch-themed events and attractions. Other towns with witch history include Whitby in England, known for its association with Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and Triora in Italy, where numerous women were accused of witchcraft during the Renaissance. These towns all continue to intrigue and captivate visitors with their tales of witchcraft and dark history. In conclusion, towns with witch history have become popular tourist destinations due to their association with witchcraft and dark events from the past. Whether it is the Salem Witch Trials, the Pendle Witch Trials, or local legends and folklore, these towns offer visitors a glimpse into the world of witchcraft and the supernatural..

Reviews for "Wicked Whispers: Exploring the Witch History of Forgotten Towns"

1. John - 2 stars - "I was really excited to visit towns with witch history, but I have to say, I was disappointed. The whole experience felt more like a tourist trap than an authentic exploration of witchcraft. The information provided was generic and lacked depth. I was expecting more interactive exhibits or demonstrations, but it was mostly just reading plaques and looking at old artifacts. Overall, I felt like I didn't gain any new insight into the history of witchcraft. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a truly immersive experience."

2. Sarah - 1 star - "I've always been fascinated by witch history, so I was really excited to visit these towns. However, I left feeling completely underwhelmed. The attractions were overpriced and lacking in substance. The supposed 'witch museums' were nothing more than small rooms with a few tattered brooms and cauldrons. The tour guides were unenthusiastic and didn't seem knowledgeable about the subject matter. It felt like a missed opportunity to dive into the rich history of witchcraft. Save your money and skip this disappointing experience."

3. Emily - 2 stars - "As someone who loves history and witch lore, I was hoping to explore the towns with witch history and uncover some hidden gems. Unfortunately, the reality fell short of my expectations. The attractions were disorganized and poorly maintained. The information provided was scarce, and the exhibits lacked any real depth. It felt like a missed opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the history of witchcraft. I would recommend doing thorough research beforehand and exploring the towns on your own rather than relying on the limited offerings provided."

From Hocus Pocus to Hysteria: Towns with Deep Roots in Witch History